Updated Chargers projected depth chart following 2024 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers selected nine players in the 2024 NFL Draft, some of which will be starting for the team in their rookie year while others will be fighting for a roster spot. While we won't know the true quality of the draft class for a few years, all signs are pointing to this being a good class.
Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz are kickstarting this new era of Chargers football with a young core that they hope to grow into a Super Bowl core. It won't happen right away, but this draft class could be the start of a special era of Chargers football.
That being said, there are still plenty of layovers from the previous era of Chargers football, some of which still play very important roles on the team. Here is how these new Chargers weave into the existing roster.
Updated Chargers projected depth chart following 2024 NFL Draft:
Quarterback: Justin Herbert, Easton Stick, Max Duggan
There is a good chance that Max Duggan does not make the 53-man roster as the Chargers will be prioritizing depth behind Justin Herbert. Fans wanted to see the team get a better backup after watching Easton Stick play last season but it was not in the cards.
Running back: Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller
Sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal may end up winning the RB2 job in training camp and the preseason if he shows out. There is a lot of potential in Vidal, who will make up a nice trio of backs alongside Edwards and Dobbins. Spiller is on the outside looking in, and potentially may not make the roster.
Fullback: Ben Mason
The Chargers signed former Ravens fullback Ben Mason this offseason to bring the fullback position back to the team. Greg Roman will want a fullback, and Ben Mason's addition only hurts Spiller's chances.
Wide receiver: Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, Ladd McConkey, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice, Cornelius Johnson
The Chargers added three receivers in the draft and as of right now, all three may make the 53-man roster. If the Chargers end up signing a veteran receiver (still possible) then we will see Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson battle for the final receiver spot on the roster.
There also is not a true number one receiver on this team. McConkey will probably play more slot than outside in his rookie season (but he is not pigeonholed to the slot like some think) so he checks in third by default. The rookie may end up finishing with the most receptions, though.
Tight end: Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham, Stone Smartt
Will Dissly is the de facto TE1 because of his blocking ability and how important that will be to Roman. Hayden Hurst and Donald Parham will be bigger weapons in the passing game, though. Undrafted free agent Zach Heins is an early favorite to make the roster, potentially making it over Stone Smartt.
Offensive line: Rashawn Slater (LT), Zion Johnson (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C), Jamaree Salyer (RG), Joe Alt (RT), Trey Pipkins, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarell
It is surprising that the Chargers didn't add any offensive line help outside of Joe Alt. The starting group has the potential to be very good but the team would have benefitted from adding one more depth option.
All that being said, this is the hardest group to predict. Harbaugh teased Pipkins still starting, which would lead to him playing right guard in place of Jamaree Salyer. Bozeman could also move to guard to open Jordan McFadden to play center. Harbaugh said he views McFadden as a center option.
Interior defensive line: Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark
The Chargers did not add to the nose tackle group in the NFL Draft. There could be some UDFAs that compete for a nose tackle spot but the one defensive lineman the Bolts drafted, Eboigbe, will slide in more as a 3-4 defensive end in this scheme. Tuli Tuipulotu will also naturally play inside for some passing downs.
EDGE: Joey Bosa, Khall Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph, Justin Hollins
There are other names that will be camp bodies fighting for the last spot on the depth chart and they very well may earn a spot, but these are the main for. The trio of Bosa, Mack and Tuipulotu make up the best part of the Chargers depth chart.
Linebacker: Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Nick Niemann
Junior Colson should be starting for the Chargers after being taken in the third round as he offers exactly what the team needs at the linebacker position. Daiyan Henley can earn more snaps with a great training camp while Troy Dye is the new important special teams linebacker for Ryan Ficken.
Cornerback: Asante Samuel Jr, Kristian Fulton, Tarheeb Still, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Ja'Sir Taylor
This is orders from outside corner to slot. Ja'Sir Taylor will be competing for the starting slot spot with Tarheeb Still and might actually win it. Even if he doesn't, he should still play a decent amount in Jesse Minter's defense despite being listed last.
As it stands right now, it feels like Samuel and Fulton are the two boundary corners but anything could change. This is a group where one starting core may not exist as it will be flexible pieces moving in and out.
Safety: Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, AJ Finley
The Chargers did not add to the safety room at all and it would not be surprising if the team used its remaining cap space to add a veteran safety in free agency, especially if Derwin James is going to move around the defense.
Special teams: Cameron Dicker (K), J.K. Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS), Derius Davis (KR/PR)
The same group exists here that did before. Nobody is touching Ficken's special teams unit and that is a good thing. That is how it should be.